Reasons for the Liberal Social Reforms - national efficiency

2. Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution may
have its origins in Britain – but
other parts of the world were
fast catching up.
Britain still lead the world in
manufacturing – including goods
such as jute and ships – but this
could change, meaning Britain
would lose power and influence.

3. Industrial production
Britain increasingly was losing its
economic power.
In 1870, 32% of the world’s
industrial production came from
Britain.
By 1913, this had declined to only
14%, a significant fall which
worried many people in Britain.

4. The USA and Germany
In particular, Germany and the
USA were increasingly powerful.
Both those countries had strong
workforces, with growing
populations and more industry.
If they caught up with Britain, they
could take over its role as the
world’s major power.

5. Germany’s success
Poverty existed all around the
world – but Germany had taken
action to fix this.
Germany had already introduced
benefits including pensions as
long ago as the 1880s. Britain
needed to do the same too if it
was going to compete with them
(both economically and militarily).

6. A stronger workforce
Britain needed a stronger
workforce if it was going to stay
as the world’s economic power.
This meant that it needed to
have more and healthier
workers
This would involve tackling the
various causes of poverty.

7. Key industries
Many of the industries which
most benefitted from the
Reforms were those that
competed with companies
around the world.
Unemployment benefit for
instance was not eligible for
all workers but instead
seasonal workers such as
those in shipyards.

8. Limited impact
Most working conditions
remained difficult with long
hours and often unsafe
conditions, so most workers’
conditions did not improve.
Bigger changes were needed –
however these were opposed
by employers and also many
politicians.